The Nigeria Police Force has called for stronger collaboration between the police and the media to tackle insecurity, noting that effective policing requires the active support of journalists and the public.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, made the call while receiving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, during a courtesy visit to the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
Olugbenga described security as a shared responsibility, noting that the security agencies and the media must work in synergy to promote public safety and combat misinformation capable of undermining security operations.
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He said: “We exist because of the society of which we are part. Both the police and the press have responsibilities to the public. There is a need for synergy to make everything work together for the good of society.”
The police chief cautioned journalists against speculative reporting, noting that the rise of social media has fuelled the spread of unverified information.
“There is no room for speculative journalism. What we need is lifelong investigative journalism. Today, anyone can cook up a story without confirming it because of the pressure of social media,” he noted.
Olugbenga warned against publishing unverified reports merely to attract public attention, urging journalists to uphold the ethics of accuracy, fairness and professionalism.
He also disclosed that investigations into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state were ongoing, assuring residents that the command remained committed to securing the safe release of the victims.
The commissioner also acknowledged the need to strengthen communication skills within the police, noting that not all officers possess adequate writing skills.
He welcomed a proposal by the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel to organise a joint capacity-building workshop for journalists and police officers to enhance professional communication and deepen mutual understanding.
NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman, Comrade Yinka Adeniran, commended the Oyo State Police Command for its proactive policing and effective communication.
He expressed confidence in efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire, urged stronger action against fake news, and advocated regular engagement and joint training between journalists and the police to enhance collaboration and improve security reporting.
